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The synthesis of β-Ga2O3 ceramic was achieved using high-energy electron beams for the first time. The irradiation of gallium oxide powder in a copper crucible using a 1.4 MeV electron beam resulted in a monolithic ceramic structure, eliminating powder particles and imperfections. The synthesized β-Ga2O3 ceramic exhibited a close-to-ideal composition of O/Ga in a 3:2 ratio. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed a monoclinic structure (space group C2/m) that matched the reference diagram before and after annealing. Photoluminescence spectra revealed multiple luminescence peaks at blue (~2.7 eV) and UV (3.3, 3.4, 3.8 eV) wavelengths for the synthesized ceramic and commercial crystals. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the bonding modes in the synthesized ceramic. The electron beam-assisted method offers a rapid and cost-effective approach for β-Ga2O3 ceramic production without requiring additional equipment or complex manipulations. This method holds promise for fabricating refractory ceramics with high melting points, both doped and undoped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the significance and prospects of using diverse T-cell variants in the context of combined therapy for lung cancer treatment. Recently, there has been an increase in research focused on understanding the critical role of tumor-specific T lymphocytes and the potential benefits of autologous T-cell-based treatments for individuals with lung cancer. One promising approach involves intravenous administration of ex vivo-activated autologous lymphocytes to improve the immune status of patients with cancer. Investigations are also exploring the factors that influence the success of T-cell therapy and the methods used to stimulate them. Achieving a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of activated lymphocytes and deciphering the mechanisms underlying their activation of innate anti-tumor immunity will pave the way for numerous clinical trials and the development of innovative strategies for cancer therapy like combined immunotherapy and radiation therapy.

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement, commonly known as the David procedure, stands as a pioneering surgical technique aimed at addressing aortic root aneurysms while retaining the patient's native aortic valve. This procedure signifies a significant advancement in cardiac surgery, offering patients the potential for improved outcomes both in the short and long term. Aims. The aim of the study was to analyze short- and long-term outcomes after valve sparing aortic root replacement operation using David I technique. Methods. From January 2013 to November 2020 a total 124 David I procedures were performed. We analyzed survival and freedom from reoperation. Follow-up was performed 8 years postoperatively. Results. Early mortality was 0.8% (n = 1). Mean age was 48.25 ± 17.42. The left ventricular ejection fraction (%) before discharge was significantly increased (p = 0.038) after surgery. The 1, 3, 6, 8 –year survival and freedom from reoperation rates were 99%, 99%, 98%, 87% and 99%, 98%, 95%, 91% retrospectively. Conclusion. David procedure is a valuable option for treating aortic root aneurysms offering the potential for excellent long-term outcomes, especially when the native aortic valve can be preserved. The decision should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the patient's individual factors and the expertise of the surgical team.

Indium tin oxide thin films were deposited by magnetron sputtering on ceramic aluminum nitride substrates and were annealed at temperatures of 500 °C and 600 °C. The structural, optical, electrically conductive and gas-sensitive properties of indium tin oxide thin films were studied. The possibility of developing sensors with low nominal resistance and relatively high sensitivity to gases was shown. The resistance of indium tin oxide thin films annealed at 500 °C in pure dry air did not exceed 350 Ohms and dropped by about 2 times when increasing the annealing temperature to 100 °C. Indium tin oxide thin films annealed at 500 °C were characterized by high sensitivity to gases. The maximum responses to 2000 ppm hydrogen, 1000 ppm ammonia and 100 ppm nitrogen dioxide for these films were 2.21 arbitrary units, 2.39 arbitrary units and 2.14 arbitrary units at operating temperatures of 400 °C, 350 °C and 350 °C, respectively. These films were characterized by short response and recovery times. The drift of indium tin oxide thin-film gas-sensitive characteristics during cyclic exposure to reducing gases did not exceed 1%. A qualitative model of the sensory effect is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we describe our first experiences implanting the AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker (Abbott) in Kazakhstani patients, a significant step in the development of this technology in Central Asia. This case series includes five male patients, with a range of symptoms (presyncope, dizziness and dyspnoea on exertion), ranging in age from 14 to 77 years; some individuals also had comorbidities, including atrioventricular block and AF. Indications for pacing were identified in each patient. The parameters of postimplantation stimulation and the results of initial observations were recorded. The procedure was quite successful and radiographic confirmation of the location of the leadless pacemaker was obtained. All patients demonstrated clinical improvement and satisfactory pacing parameters at early follow-up. The potential of the AVEIR leadless pacemaker to minimise lead insertion complications has been demonstrated, with no immediate complications observed in the patients in this study.

A 12-lead electrocardiogram of a pediatric patient with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome was consistent with the anteroseptal accessory pathway. The patient had three ablation procedures because of the recurrences of the arrhythmia. In our case, successful cryoablation was performed in the non-coronary cusp of the aortic root.

Research was conducted to examine the Urbach's tails of TlInS2 single crystals in the temperature range of 10-340 K. Five different convergent group of lines in alpha(E,T) with different E0 and alpha 0 convergence point coordinates were identified between 120-340 K while no convergence point of lines were evident below 120K. Differences in band gap jumping values were seen as caused by phase transitions and simultaneous influence of phonon coupling with electrons induced by exciton dissociation.

This prospective study evaluates the impact of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on cardiorespiratory indicators in patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation admitted to the Heart Center UMC between January 2022 and April 2024 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The study aims to assess the functional cardiac benefits of RFA. Out of 717 registered atrial fibrillation patients, 104 were examined before and 3 months after ablation, focusing on cardiorespiratory parameters. A before-and-after analysis using linear mixed models was applied to evaluate changes in cardiorespiratory parameters post-RFA. Significant improvements were noted across various measures. VO2 max increased from 11.5 ± 4.4 mL/kg/min to 18.0 ± 4.5 mL/kg/min (p < 0.001). Oxygen uptake improved from 7.2 ± 2.6 mL/beat to 11.0 ± 3.4 mL/beat (p < 0.001). The 6-min walking test distance rose from 306 ± 82 m to 400 ± 48 m (p < 0.001). METs increased from 4.4 ± 1.6 to 8.0 ± 1.3 (p < 0.001). Heart rate at peak exercise decreased from 175.5 ± 18.6 to 147.2 ± 12.3 beats per minute (p < 0.001). NT-proBNP levels decreased from 1357 ± 1182 to 415 ± 339 pg/mL (p < 0.001). Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing RFA showed functional improvements in CPET indicators such as VO2 max, METs, O2 pulse, heart rate, and the 6-min walking test. Improvements were also seen in Nt-proBNP analysis. These results emphasize the need for longitudinal follow-up to optimize outcomes and minimize medical risks.

The temperature- and magnetic field-dependence of the electron Hall mobility were measured in undoped n-type InSe and Er-doped InSe at temperatures of 10-340 K along with the transverse and longitudinal magnetoresistance effects. The results, which indicated that the erbium atoms are not electrically active, showed that the electrical conductivity of both samples lessens as the temperature increases for the temperature range 60-100 degrees Celsius.

Background: One of the global key indicators for monitoring the implementation of the World Health Organization's End Tuberculosis (TB) Strategy is the treatment outcome rate. Objective: This study aims to assess the magnitude of unfavorable treatment outcomes and estimate their relationship with baseline undernutrition and sustained undernutrition among children receiving TB treatment in central Ethiopia. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included children treated for drug-susceptible TB between June 2014 and February 2022. The study comprised children aged 16 and younger who were treated in 32 randomly selected healthcare facilities. A log-binomial model was used to compute adjusted risk ratios (aRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Of 640 children, 42 (6.6%; 95% CI = 4.8–8.8%) had an unfavorable TB treatment outcomes, with 31 (73.8%; 95% CI = 58.0–86.1%) occurring during the continuation phase of TB treatment. We confirmed that baseline undernutrition (aRR = 2.68; 95% CI = 1.53–4.71), age less than 10 years (aRR = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.56–4.61), HIV infection (aRR = 2.62; 95% CI = 1.50–4.59), and relapsed TB (aRR = 3.19; 95% CI = 1.79–4.71) were independent predictors of unfavorable TB treatment outcomes. When we looked separately at children who had been on TB treatment for two months or more, we found that sustained undernutrition (aRR = 3.76; 95% CI = 1.90–7.43), age below ten years (aRR = 2.60; 95% CI = 1.31–5.15), and HIV infection (aRR = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.11–4.59) remained predictors of unfavorable outcomes, just as they had in the first two months. However, the effect of relapsed TB became insignificant (aRR = 2.81; 95% CI = 0.96–8.22) after the first two months TB treatment. Conclusions: The magnitude of unfavorable TB treatment outcomes among children in central Ethiopia met the World Health Organization's 2025 milestone. Nearly three-quarters of unfavorable TB treatment outcomes occurred during the continuation phase of TB treatment. Baseline undernutrition, sustained undernutrition, younger age, HIV infection, and relapsed TB were found to be independent predictors of unfavorable TB treatment outcomes among children receiving TB treatment in central Ethiopia.

Abstract Background Childhood tuberculosis (TB) was poorly studied in Ethiopia. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of childhood TB and identify predictors of death among children on TB treatment. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of children aged 16 and younger who were treated for TB between 2014 and 2022. Data were extracted from TB registers of 32 healthcare facilities in central Ethiopia. Phone interview was also conducted to measure variables without a space and not recorded in the registers. Frequency tables and a graph were used to describe the epidemiology of childhood TB. To perform survival analysis, we used a Cox proportional hazards model, which was then challenged with an extended Cox model. Results We enrolled 640 children with TB, 80 (12.5%) of whom were under the age of two. Five hundred and fifty-seven (87.0%) of the enrolled children had not had known household TB contact. Thirty-six (5.6%) children died while being treated for TB. Nine (25%) of those who died were under the age of two. HIV infection (aHR = 4.2; 95% CI = 1.9–9.3), under nutrition (aHR = 4.2; 95% CI = 2.2-10.48), being under 10 years old (aHR = 4.1; 95% CI = 1.7–9.7), and relapsed TB (aHR = 3.7; 95% CI = 1.1–13.1) were all independent predictors of death. Children who were found to be still undernourished two months after starting TB treatment also had a higher risk of death (aHR = 5.64, 95% CI = 2.42–13.14) than normally nourished children. Conclusions The majority of children had no known pulmonary TB household contact implying that they contracted TB from the community. The death rate among children on TB treatment was unacceptably high, with children under the age of two being disproportionately impacted. HIV infection, baseline as well as persistent under nutrition, age

The development of cardiac pacemakers has a rich history spanning over two centuries, beginning with Luigi Galvani's discovery of the heart's response to electrical currents in the late 18th century. Paul Zoll's pioneering work in the 1950s introduced external pacemakers and defibrillators, followed by the first successful implantation of a fully implantable pacemaker in Sweden in 1958. Since then, pacemakers have undergone major improvements, including advancements in lead design and battery technology, as well as the development of telephony and microprocessors. Recent innovations have led to leadless pacemakers with wireless communication capabilities, transforming patient care and monitoring. This evolution has made pacemakers highly sophisticated devices that synchronize with the heart's rhythm, offering hope and improved quality of life for millions of individuals with cardiac rhythm disorders.

Background: The continuous intimate partner violence against postpartum women (perinatal partner violence) is an important indicator of severe violence. However, its prevalence estimates remain dissimilar and show a high variability for three mutually exclusive time periods for index birth: before, during, and after pregnancy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine pooled prevalence of continuous violence against postpartum women (VAPW) for the index child. Method: We performed a comprehensive search for PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, POPLINE, Google, and Google Scholar databases. We included studies reporting the prevalence of VAPW for index child. The meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 14 software, and the forest plot was used to present the pooled estimate. Cochrane Q-statistics and І2 were used to assess heterogeneity. Funnel plots, Egger’s, and Begg’s tests were used to check publication bias. Result: This systematic review and meta-analysis included a total of sixteen studies with a total of 36,758 participants. The overall pooled prevalence of VAPW for the index child was 9.96% (95% CI: 8.30%, 11.59%). The pooled estimate of lifetime VAPW for index child was 29.27% (95% CI: 23.26%, 35.27%). The overall estimates of lifetime physical, sexual, and psychological VAPW were 11.35%, 6.3%, and 14.74% respectively. In Sub-group analysis, the summary estimate was higher for low-middle income countries, 35.07% (95%CI: 10.15%, 59.98%) and low-income countries, 17.40% (95% CI: 14.08%, 20.72%) than for high-income settings (3.27%, 95% CI: 2.18%, 4.37%). Conclusion: Approximately one out of every ten postpartum women experiences ongoing violence for the index child. When compared to postpartum women in high-income countries, a significant proportion of postpartum women in low- and middle-income countries experience continuous violence. This calls for a universal routine screening program in the continuum of care and working proactively on community-level intervention that prevent violence against women.

We report the simulation of current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) characteristics of Au/n-InP Schottky contact in the temperature range of 200–400 K by steps of 20 K with and without interface states, traps and tunnelling current. The simulation was carried out using Atlas-Silvaco-Tcad device simulator. The simulation is performed using the appropriate physical models to explain the behaviour of the physical phenomena of the Schottky diode. The simulation results ofI–V–TandC–V–Twithout native oxide, tunnelling current and traps are far away from experimental data. Thus, native oxide, tunnelling current and traps should be considered. Our results strongly suggest that the spatial inhomogeneities at the MS interface did not affect theI–VandC–Vcharacteristics in the simulated temperature range. In addition, the extracted parameters, zero-bias barrier height, capacitance barrier heightand the ideality factorwere found to be strongly temperature-dependent due to the deviation of the transport mechanism from thermionic emission current. Moreover, the obtained results lead to a coherent explanation of the discrepancy betweenand. Good agreement of simulatedI–V–TandC–V–Tresults with existing experimental data are obtained by considering a thin native oxide layer at the interface, traps and tunnelling current. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract Mapping of multiple atrial tachycardias after previous cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolations and multiple radiofrequency ablations can be challenging even for experienced specialists. HD Grid high‐density mapping catheter is one of the catheters, which helps not only to precisely identify the mechanisms of macro‐reentry tachycardia but also to avoid unnecessary radiofrequency applications. Accordingly, we present two cases of complex atrial arrhythmia with the use of HD Grid, which showed clear visualization of mechanisms and target ablations with the termination of tachycardia.

Abstract Background The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Results The concept of the Nature Step has evolved from innovative research indicating, how changed lifestyle in urban surroundings reduces contact with biodiverse environments, impoverishes microbiota, affects immune regulation and increases risk of NCDs. The Nature Step calls for strengthening connections to nature. Physical activity in natural environments should be promoted, use of fresh vegetables, fruits and water increased, and consumption of sugary drinks, tobacco and alcohol restricted. Nature relatedness should be part of everyday life and especially emphasized in the care of children and the elderly. Taking “nature” to modern cities in a controlled way is possible but a challenge for urban planning, nature conservation, housing, traffic arrangements, energy production, and importantly for supplying and distributing food. Actions against the well-known respiratory risk factors, air pollution and smoking, should be taken simultaneously. Conclusions In Finland and elsewhere in Europe, successful programmes have been implemented to reduce the burden of respiratory disorders and other NCDs. Unhealthy behaviour can be changed by well-coordinated actions involving all stakeholders. The growing public health concern caused by NCDs in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone; a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.